Nuclease-resistant RNA aptamer inhibiting replication of hepatitis C virus replicon

Abstract

Disclosed is a nuclease-resistant RNA aptamer for inhibiting the replication of HCV replicon. This aptamer is capable of binding specifically to HCV NS5B and inhibiting the proliferation of the HCV replicon, and includes at least one sequence selected from a group consisting of SEQ ID NOS. 1 to 4, in which a fluoro group is substituted for 2′-hydroxy of both U (uracil) and C (cytosine) bases, and SEQ ID NO. 17, in which the fluoro group is substituted for the 2′-hydroxy of both the U (uracil) and the C (cytosine) bases, and which is tagged with a cholesteryl group at a 5′ end and with idT at a 3′ end. The RNA aptamer is useful in the diagnosis and treatment of HCV infection.

1. A nuclease-resistant RNA aptamer, capable of binding specifically to hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS5B and inhibiting the proliferation of an HCV replicon, comprising at least one sequence selected from a group consisting of SEQ ID NOS. 1 to 4, in which a fluoro group is substituted for 2′-hydroxy of both U (uracil) and C (cytosine) bases, and SEQ ID NO. 17, in which a fluoro group is substituted for 2′-hydroxy of both U (uracil) and C (cytosine) bases, and which is tagged with a cholesteryl group at a 5′ end and with idT at a 3′ end. 
     
     
       2. A kit for diagnosis of HCV, comprising a container which contains at least one RNA aptamer, capable of binding specifically to hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS5B and inhibiting the proliferation of an HCV replicon, comprising at least one sequence selected from a group consisting of SEQ ID NOS. 1 to 4, in which a fluoro group is substituted for 2′-hydroxy of both U (uracil) and C (cytosine) bases, and SEQ ID NO. 17, in which a fluoro group is substituted for 2′-hydroxy of both U (uracil) and C (cytosine) bases, and which is tagged with a cholesteryl group at a 5′ end and with idT at a 3′ end. 
     
     
       3. An inhibitor of hepatitis C virus, capable of binding specifically to hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS5B and inhibiting proliferation of an HCV replicon, comprising at least one RNA aptamer, capable of binding specifically to hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS5B and inhibiting the proliferation of an HCV replicon, comprising at least one sequence selected from a group consisting of SEQ ID NOS. 1 to 4, in which a fluoro group is substituted for 2′-hydroxy of both U (uracil) and C (cytosine) bases, and SEQ ID NO. 17, in which a fluoro group is substituted for 2′-hydroxy of both U (uracil) and C (cytosine) bases, and which is tagged with a cholesteryl group at a 5′ end and with idT at a 3′ end.